From just those pictures with no additional info, I like the following (in no particular order) #1 red '32 highboy roadster #3 black full-fendered '34 roadster #5 Red full-fendered '32 tub #7 Black full-fendered '32 roadster The magenta highboy and brown(?) RPU are "maybe's". The black tub's upward arching flames make it look bent in the middle.
Number 3 is the only one that's centered in the oddly designed display. Why black floor and white curtain? That banner is straight out of some strip-mall sign shop. Why exactly are there two trophies featured on it? What are those big headed Oscar-looking fellas doing? Are those olive branches? Sorry, that's all way more interesting to me than the cars.
I’m not much on black wheels, giant tires, or wide rear wheels so the ones I like usually don’t make it to the top prize. The designers, builders, and assemblers are extremely talented and for the most part I look to the small things to appreciate.
Disappointing. All the building talent in this country and that's the best they can do? I'm probably getting a little cynical in my old age. I've done a few 32 roadsters over the years and it's about the look, if you don't have that it's over. For some reason except for maybe the red phaeton and for a sheer hot rod look the highboy tub it ain't happening for me this year. Ryan and Moriarity have shown great restraint in not deleting the pictures of the contenders.
I'm thinking that a wheel and tire change to something more hot rod than gold chain street rod would make several of those more attractive and look more hot rod than hot wheel. But then the owner couldn't sit and tell how he had his guy design a one off set of mega large rims just for that car and got them there two days before the show.
Pretty "traditional"? Difficult to come up with any thing different at this date after all the years of hot rods. Ben
Couldn't agree more. Insipid would be my summing up of that selection. Number 3 is the only one that vaguely has the look for me, but then I'm stuck in a fixed timewarp anyway.
As Gary said , very disappointing line up with all the talented builders out there. This sums up the line up to me. #3 is the best looking I see. I think I have seen many better looking cars in the suede palace
I wouldn't pay to see that line up. The wheels are...well, like a thesaurus with blank pages, there just are no words to express my disgust.
Hard to judge any of these cars from one snapshot profile on a computer screen. But one thing I will say - my opinion only with respect to the intent of this award - the #4 red Deuce highboy with the zoomie headers has absolutely jumped the damn rails....
The only car with body modifications, that has to gain a few extra points when judging time comes around.
Is it my imagination, or is the front seat back a looong way from the steering wheel? Looks like you'd have to be a serious knuckle-dragger to drive this...
I'm sure all of these cars are very nice and have massive amounts of money thrown at them. Hot Rods are all about the look. There's 100's of home builds on here built on a budget in the back yard that have the look. Either you got it or you don't. Sorry if I'm a little redundant.
I don’t think it’s building talent…..for the most part is the deep pocket paying for it. If the commission is “I want one to win the AMBR” then all hell breaks loose because what most HAMB folks like in the traditional fashion will never have a chance. Not enough boxes checked on the judges sheet to reach the building let alone win. For many of these “never see again” cars never see the light of day until ending up at auctions like Barret-Jackson so some other wealthy guy can buy it for 10 cents on the dollar and still pay too much to own a winner or contender. It’s just said but true. I friend I know purchased a 5 year old contender a few years back that was near $500k to build, offered a $185k, and bought for less than $50k and needed a lot to be road worthy.
Which one did Doug Jerger build? (Squeeg's) I heard he was bringing something. While not a trad guy, I like his stuff ususally. That pink roadster has a good look except one major detail ITS PINK! Barf.
I’ve seen some different angle pictures on Instagram and have to say that the pictures here do no justice for several of the contenders
The truth of the matter is if only what the HAMB likes was built and entered it would be just as bland and boring just bland and boring in a different vein. Nobody wants to step outside whichever box they are in.
Easy there big guy, it’s only once a year. Take deep breaths, inhale, slowly exhale. Think happy thoughts. 15” real chrome reverse wheels with 3” wide whites. See happy thoughts. Don’t we feel better now? It’s been a while since I’ve seen anything to get inspired about from amber contenders.
I haven't done any photo searching but I'm sure that's true. I'd still love to be there to see them all in person. Someday.....
I have not seen this car in person, but i have a feeling its because its sectioned why its giving the optics of that, im sure the seat is moved back, but making it look more drastic
My personal choice would be the Black Full Fendered 32 Ford with the louvered deck lid. It’s the most traditional one see. It checks the boxes I like. Not over sized tires and wheels, bumpers, and a nice rake. From what I can see it kept the grille shell upper parts and stainless on the hood split. I can’t see the interior dash or steering wheel but I’m sure I would like it all. I probably jinxed it …… sorry.
Brizios phaeton is an interesting twist and Im sure involved tons of planning. It gets my vote. I like black wall bias plys but not getting them this year.
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